By; JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
The Zaria Grand Prix took place place at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Sports Complex over the weekend, with great performance from already established athletes and upcoming ones.
The event which had only 10 events, saw the athletes put in their best as they saw it as preparatory for the national trails in Benin on July 5, towards the World Athletics Championship in Budapest next month.
In the 100m men, Igube ThankGod came first (10.09), Ezeakor Chidera second (10.10) and Eze Collins was third (10.30).
In the 100m women, Hajara Haruna first (11.60), Magaret Bukola second (11.70) and Peace Lekwot third(12.40).
For the 400m men, Ogazi Samuel (46.20) placed first, Victory Achakpoekri (47.20) finished second and
Alphonsus Akwuaja (47.21) claimed bronze.
In the 1,500m women, Comfort James finished in (4min. 50.5) to place first.
Verity Umaru in (4min.52.8) finished second and Mercy Audu (5min.08.3) emerged third.
For 800m men, Salisu Habeeb blazed the trail in (1min.52sec.6) to emerge first.
Second position went to Surajo Habeeb (1min 54sec.5) and third spot went to Isaac Chukwuike (1min.55sec.7).
Comfort James in (55.3) outran others to place first in the 400m women.
Happy Rasheed in (56.4) finished second and Temitope Olusesan (56.6) placed third.
Long Jump women saw Ademola Temitope (5.46 metres) finish tops.
Versatile Peace Lekwot of Coach Felix Academic and Sports Foundation (5.27), settled for second and Peniel Daniel (4.93) emerged third.
In Discuss women, Esther Osisike with (47.82) left no one in doubt of her superiority as she led the pack.
Amazing Grace Asipitan (37.36) emeged second and Patricia Uzuegbu (34.47) was third.
Shotput men saw Okafor Onyinyechi (14.14) emerge tops.
Afuku Nyerhowe (12.48) was runner-up and Henry Friday (11.83), second runner-up.
Ogazi Samuel, the 400 metres National champion, who was discovered in the first edition of the Zaria Prix, said he his grateful to the organizers of the prix for bringing it down to Zaria.
“I might have been doing something else if not for the opportunity I got here. I am calling on other well meaning individuals and companies to emulate the organizers of the Zaria Grand Prix around the federation,” he added.
The meet Director, Mr. Sunday Adeleye a former international and Technical Director of the AFN, said as organizers, they are happy seeing young men and women from the Grand Prix growing into strong forces.
“Our joy is to return Nigeria to its pride of place and if possible, dominating athletics in the world,” he said.
Godfrey Apkodu, a former NATO president, said he is happy to be associated with the Zaria Grand Prix.
“It has continued to get better with every passing edition. This particular one will motivate the athletes for the National Trails in Benin on the 5th of July,. It actually came at the right time,” he added.
A big stakeholder in the Athletics family, Lekan Seotan applauded the athletes for their fighting spirit.
He also applauded the Zaria Grand Prix organisers for their consistency.
